Review navan 14th Dec

< Mikael D'Haguenet burst the Pandorama bubble with a classy performance in the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle at Navan.

Noel Meade's 2-7 favourite was expected to make it five from five under Rules and Paul Carberry set out to make full use of his stamina by bouncing him out in front.

But he could never shake off the attentions of Willie Mullins' French recruit and Mikael D'Haguenet was able to quicken after the last to inflict a seven-length defeat on the red-hot market leader.

Meade again had to play second fiddle to Mullins when Aitmatov made up ground too late to catch Shakervilz (9-4 joint-favourite) in the Giltspur Scientific Tara Hurdle.

The winner took over from tearaway leader Give It Time approaching the last and stayed on stoutly to register a seven-length verdict.

Townend and Mullins completed a treble courtesy of Jayo (7-4 favourite) in the Garlow Cross Beginners Chase, while the Grade Two Glen Dimplex Future Champ INH Flat Race went the way of Dunguib (11-4).

Meade started off well when Donnas Palm made light work of the opposition in the 2009 Navan Membership Hurdle.

The Royal Bond runner-up was sent off the 1-7 favourite and having took up the running three out under Carberry, accounted for Lead Kindly Light by a length and a quarter in little more than an exercise canter.

Over at Cork, Scotsirish continued the Mullins' roll when giving Ruby Walsh his first winner since returning from injury in the feature O'Connell Logistics Hilly Way Chase.

The 11-4 favourite had the measure of closest pursuer Wanango when that one crashed out at the last, and he came home 16 lengths clear of Cailin Alainn < The Bishop Looney (10-1) sprung a small surprise in the O'Connell Transport Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle by holding Part Presenting and the disappointing Pomme Tiepy while 25-1 outsider Hill Fairy claimed the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Lombardstown Mares Novice Chase.

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